Jim Byron ’15

James T. (Jim) Byron is an Orange County-based nonprofit executive serving as president and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation and a member of its board of directors. He was appointed in November 2021 at the age of 28.

Over the course of his career, Byron has become proficient in strategic planning, message development and nonprofit management and advancement.

From 2019 to 2021, Byron was executive vice president of the Nixon Foundation and worked closely with nationally syndicated radio host and then-foundation president and CEO Hugh Hewitt. Byron oversaw and managed the foundation’s staff and operations, including marketing and communications, business and philanthropic development, finances and accounting and external relations. He led the planning, message development and execution of more than 30 educational programs and events annually on the Yorba Linda campus and in Washington, D.C.

In 2016, Byron led the yearlong planning efforts for the reopening of the Nixon Library after a $15 million renovation. These two days of closely coordinated public programs, unveilings and educational seminars were attended by more than 3,000 people and received coverage from more than 40 media outlets from around the world; Byron directed an effort of more than 100 individuals in their execution. He also led the planning and execution of the strategic communications campaign to launch the new Nixon Library, which reached more than 100 million people and won five public relations industry association awards.

From 2014 to 2017, he worked as coordinator of the foundation’s successful $25 million capital campaign, working directly and closely with campaign chairman Fred Malek. Shortly thereafter, he led the planning and rollout of innovative mission-based programs, including ongoing civics education initiatives.

Byron is a native of Santa Monica, California, and grew up in Orange County. He is a graduate of Chapman University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in history. He now serves as chairman of the Phi Delta Theta California Phi Chapter Advisory Board and a member of the board of directors of The Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

Byron is the author of “A President Comes Home,” the official Nixon Library souvenir guide (2018). He lives in Costa Mesa and enjoys playing tennis and golf.